Guest Speaker 

Mike Dwight

Paeroa’s Boer War Heroes Remembered 

Members of Rotary Paeroa were taken on a fascinating journey into local military history recently when historian Mike Dwight presented the story of Paeroa and Ohinemuri men who volunteered to serve in the South African War (1899–1902), commonly known as the Boer War.

Central to the presentation was the story of Trooper George Roland Bradford, believed to be New Zealand’s first overseas battle casualty. Born in Sussex, England, Bradford settled in Paeroa and served with the Ohinemuri Rifles before joining New Zealand’s First Contingent bound for South Africa.

Mike recounted how Bradford was mortally wounded during a reconnaissance mission near Taiboschslaagte on 18 December 1899. Although initially presumed dead on the battlefield, Boer soldiers recovered him and transported him to a field hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds ten days later. His death was keenly felt throughout the young nation and particularly within the Paeroa community.

The presentation also highlighted the remarkable contribution made by other local volunteers who answered the Empire’s call. Among those recognised were Robert Allen Adams, Bertram Richard Avery, James Campbell, Harold Bennett, James Henry Casley, Edward Stephen Cock, William Henry Cowan, George Dean, Charles Thomas Griffiths, Job Robinson Hesp, Thomas John Hill, Percy Richard Hubbard, Walter Hubbard, William Lynch, William McPherson, Frederick Thomas Shaw, Samuel Thomas Silcock, John William Tetley, and William Trevarthen.

Many served with distinction in harsh conditions thousands of kilometres from home, helping establish New Zealand’s reputation on the international stage.

Rotarians heard that a memorial to Bradford was erected on Primrose Hill in Paeroa in 1903 and unveiled by Premier Richard Seddon, ensuring future generations would remember the sacrifice made by one of the district’s most notable sons.

The evening served as a timely reminder of the courage, service, and community spirit demonstrated by the men of Paeroa and Ohinemuri more than 125 years ago.

TWO MINUTE SPEAKER
DENNESE

A trip to the United Kingdom in June 2016 included an unexpected and memorable stopover in the United States for Dennese, providing an opportunity to visit one of the world's most renowned wildlife attractions.

During a three-day stopover in Los Angeles, Dennese embarked on a day trip to the famous San Diego Zoo. The visit was inspired by a desire to see first-hand the important conservation work being undertaken by the zoo to help save a variety of endangered species from extinction.

Having heard that the zoo was home to giant pandas, Dennese was particularly keen to see these iconic animals up close. Before arriving at the panda enclosure, however, zoo staff warned visitors that the pandas could be unpredictable and, if they were not in the mood, might not be particularly cooperative.

Travelling around the expansive zoo by small bus, visitors stopped at a variety of exhibits featuring animals from around the world, including zebras, giraffes, birds, and majestic bald eagles. The experience provided a fascinating insight into both wildlife conservation and the diversity of species cared for by the zoo.

When the group finally arrived at the panda enclosure, the much-anticipated encounter did not quite go according to plan. Despite the efforts of zoo attendants, the pandas stubbornly kept their backs turned to visitors and refused to face the crowd. 

Although bit of a bummer; undeterred, Dennese took photographs anyway, delighted simply to have seen the pandas in person and able to return home with proof that a long-held wish had finally been fulfilled.